I just returned from my local farmers market with a shopping bag full of fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits, plus a lovely loaf of wheat bread and some miniature tarts. I love buying fresh food. That's because I am supporting local farmers, taking care of myself with tasty, nutritious food, and doing something positive to support my environment.
Many are unaware of the far-reaching benefits of consuming local and/or organic food and its impact on our diet and the environment. Fortunately, in recent years, there is an increased awareness about organic food, and the fact that it is free of pesticides and hormones that are harmful to our bodies and the environment. But now, there is a growing awareness of the advantages of buying locally grown produce.
The benefits are many! Local farmers who sell their produce directly to consumers are not hindered by packing and shipping factors or concerns about food shelf life. That's because local produce is brought to market when it is ripe and fresh, and as a consequence is more nutritious and tasty than produce that comes from further away. And, from an environmental standpoint, a local market minimizes pollution because there is less need for product packaging that has to be carted off to landfills, along with less gas emissions from long-distance transport and refrigeration.
Stimulating your local economy is another reason to buy local produce. Friends, farmers who grow and sell locally get to keep about 80% of their revenue compared to the mere 20% profit of farmers who grow food for large corporations and companies. This 60% in extra income can circulate more in your local area, thereby boosting your community. And local farming encourages more fields and open areas and less over-development.
And last but not least, locally grown foods are much better for your general health. When produce is harvested, its nutritious value is at its peak. It loses in freshness and nutritional value each day it is in route to a destination. The sooner you can eat it, the better it is for you. And local foods tend to be seasonal, which is also beneficial for your health.
Friends, I hope that you are already a local supporter of your local farmers' market, and if not, I hope you will think about becoming one. We need to support our community, economy, and our environment.
